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Press Release - Wednesday, December 13, 2023
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Illinois awarded $52.8 million for Bloomington project to improve rural transportation and mobility
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that it has received a $52.8 million federal grant to rebuild Illinois 9 in Bloomington as part of a new federal program to increase mobility, improve safety and generate regional economic growth in rural areas.
"Here in Illinois, we're working to strengthen our state's transportation infrastructure by investing in roads, highways, bridges, bike paths, pedestrian walkways and more," said Gov. JB Pritzker. "Thanks to this crucial federal funding towards the city of Bloomington's Route 9 highway upgrades, Illinois will further cement its status as a Midwest hub for safe, effective, and efficient highway transportation."
The grant will pay for improvements along approximately six miles of Bloomington's Illinois 9 corridor, including resurfacing, curb and gutter replacement, sidewalk and ADA improvements. Bicycle facilities, including bike lanes and shared bike/pedestrian paths, will be included, as well as traffic signal upgrades and drainage improvements. The project will also relocate a bus stop and improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout the area.
Together, these improvements will increase safety, provide a needed boost to multimodal options in the area and enhance quality of life, all while directly benefitting the surrounding underserved community.
The first of five contracts covering the improvements is tentative to be awarded in the spring, with construction to begin soon afterward. Other contracts will be let over the coming years.
"Under Gov. JB Pritzker's leadership, we are working to bring infrastructure improvements to every corner of Illinois," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. "This grant will help us continue this mission as we work to upgrade safety and quality of life for all residents and visitors to our great state. We appreciate this opportunity from the U.S. Department of Transportation - IDOT will be delivering these resources as quickly as possible to Bloomington and all those who rely on Illinois 9."
The funding is made possible by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which awarded $645.3 million nationally in the second year of the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program to help communities throughout the United States.
"Illinois 9 is a lifeline that connects neighborhoods, businesses and the aspirations of Illinoisans," said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois). "With this significant federal investment, we're embarking on a transformative journey to modernize and revitalize Bloomington by addressing long-overdue upgrades and ensuring roads that run through the region are safe and efficient."
"Improving our transportation infrastructure is crucial to helping reduce congestion, lower costs and improve logistics, and Illinois 9 serves as a key route for it throughout Central Illinois and the entire state," said Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois). "I'm proud to announce this important funding to help the city of Bloomington make much-needed improvements to improve conditions and increase accessibility for all modes of transportation along this well-traveled highway."
"Repairing and upgrading our region's infrastructure is an important part of how we build sustainable communities for future generations," said U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-17). "This critical investment to improve Illinois 9 will create safer roads, increase accessibility, and ensure that our neighbors can easily travel around our state. I am grateful to those at the Illinois Department of Transportation and for all the local officials involved in helping make this award possible."
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, rural roads face a disproportionally high rate of fatalities. A significant proportion of rural roads and bridges are in poor condition. The awards will improve the safety and reliability of movement of people and freight, as well as improve quality of life for rural residents, through investment in critical roads, bridges and other transportation systems.
"This significant investment not only enhances our infrastructure but also paves the way for safer, more efficient travel for our residents," said Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe. "This transformative project marks a milestone for Bloomington's growth and underscores our commitment to creating a vibrant, connected city for all."
Under Gov. Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program, IDOT is revitalizing infrastructure across the state. Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing a combined total of $33.2 billion into the state's aging transportation system, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. The landmark capital program is not only the largest in state history, but also the first one that touches all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, aviation, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
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